It Lives Up To The Hype! #ValentinesDay
Valentine’s Day was amazing, and not for the reasons you would think. I love the Valentine’s season. It’s the season of L O V E. It’s the time to spread love to your loved ones, show love to your significant others, and take time to show love onto yourself. I think Valentine’s Day tends to bring about a feeling of anxiousness. Sometimes we, or those around us, get wrapped up in the commercial appeal, in terms of wondering what the grand gesture will be, planning the grand gesture, pondering will he/ won’t he, or deciphering what type of situation you’re in to quantify any Valentine’s Day plans. Well, what if I told you: None of that should matter on Valentine’s Day.
I love Valentine’s Day because year after year, growing up, my mother made Valentine’s Day about US. She surprised us with gifts, candy, and cards, and ensured we felt like the number one loves in her life. Each year was filled with new surprises, and creative gifts that were always cute and unique gestures. Even when my father wasn’t around or she had to work, herself, she always made sure each of us celebrated somehow. Since, Valentine’s Day become more than just a day for diamond jewelry, boxes of chocolate, and teddy bears. Her infectious spirit found a way to trickle down to my ethos to influence my adoration of outdoing, and delivering the same energy towards showing love to those who mean the most.
To add the cherry on top, I discovered Galentine’s Day. I would like to say that I am one of the early pioneers and advocates for this amazing day of celebration, because all credit goes to the incomparable Leslie Knope. As a huge Amy Poehler and Tine Fey fan, I naturally gravitated towards the likes of Parks and Rec, following 30 Rock. When I laid witness to her relentless determination in celebrating her “gal pals.” I knew I wanted to be a part of that. Galentine’s Day quickly made its way to my calendar, and has every year since. I started a yearly program to bring awareness to the holiday that has been held in several states, and I take great pride in showing endearing love and support to the women in my life on this special day.
This Valentine’s Day came in the midst of a very hectic season in my life. Nonetheless, the displays of love were omnipotent. While V-Day may not always pan out the way we would like, there is joy to be found in surrounding yourself daily not by people who like you, but instead, by people who love you. Knowing that I make that conscious choice, having those around me who genuinely love me (despite unpopular opinion, lol) leaves me extremely grateful. It’s not only on February 14th that I feel loved and appreciated…. I feel this way just about every day.
When I hear the people say, “Every day is Valentine’s Day with…” I will typically greet their comment with an eye roll. However, I am here to say that whilst their appreciation may be contingent upon someone else, in order for every day to feel like Valentine’s Day, you don’t need a significant other. You need yourself, an open heart, and a strong pack of people around you who fan your flames, who remind you of your value, AND that you’re loved.